Breeding Better: QMS Partners on Net Zero Genetics Project

Breeding Better: QMS Partners on Net Zero Genetics Project

By Dr. Emma McGowan, Genetics Specialist at Quality Meat Scotland (QMS)

At QMS, we’re committed to harnessing genetics to secure a more efficient, sustainable future for Scotland’s red meat sector. One of the most promising opportunities lies in breeding strategies that improve production efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance animal health and welfare.

That’s why we’re delighted to be working with the Agri-Food for Net Zero (AFN) Network on an exciting new scoping study: Breeding Better Beef and Sheep.

Led by Kat Watson at the Royal Agricultural University, this collaborative one-year project brings together farmers, industry bodies, and academic researchers to identify breeding strategies that are cost-effective, practical, and contribute meaningfully to the UK’s net zero ambitions.

The project’s unique approach is putting farmers in the driving seat. Researchers are engaging directly with 20 case study farms from across the devolved nations, alongside key industry stakeholders, to understand the breeding techniques they use for sheep and cattle, and the relative impact of these on both emissions and farm profitability.

In parallel, the team is undertaking a comprehensive review of scientific literature to establish which breeding strategies show the greatest promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions—an area that is proving as complex as it is crucial.

The research team is now collating and analysing all this information, with plans to share findings at industry workshops in the autumn. These workshops will be key to shaping the future of breeding practices for beef and sheep across the UK.

What Have We Learned So Far?

Kat Watson and her team have shared some early insights:

“What we have found so far is that breeding programmes and approaches are hugely variable, even within one sector. Each farmer we speak to seems to take a slightly different approach based on their farming context, which is appropriate but makes measuring and comparing relative impact on net zero and costs very tricky.

“What seems consistent is the need for reliable records to inform decisions, from choosing replacements and breeding stock to monitoring animal performance over their lifetime. This data comes from variable, fragmented sources and is of varying quality. But the literature shows a consistent benefit from using breed indexes, with further benefits from selecting breeding animals based on genomic information. The role of genomics in the future of farming seems advantageous when used to inform breeding decisions.”

A Word From Our Farmers

As the project progresses, farmers’ voices are central. They’re sharing invaluable insights into what breeding strategies work on the ground, the challenges they face, and how genetics can support their business and the environment.

David Hill, Suffolk breeder enrolled in the project, said: "For our system, genomics is a huge part of the health of our flock. This can be a real win if we move the industry towards disease resistance."

Stay tuned this autumn for the opportunity to join our workshops and help shape the future of sustainable beef and sheep production in the UK.